More than 1,500 Illinois 4-H members care for dogs as part of their 4-H project work. Obedience training provides mental stimulation that keeps dogs mentally and physically healthy and provides structure for appropriate behavior.  

More than 200 members advanced from county competitions to compete in the Illinois 4-H State Dog Show held Aug. 24 at the Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment Center in Dixon. Members competed in obedience, showmanship, and rally classes.

Based on the member’s experience and years in the project, four levels of competition are held. The high point beginning champion is Winnebago County 4-H member Natalie Markin. The beginner novice 2 class was the largest, with high point winner Natalie Markin placing first.

For the first time in Illinois 4-H, a rally division was also held with 44 youth-dog teams competing. In rally, the youth trainer and dog navigate a course together as fast as possible. Throughout the course, signs instruct the different exercise the dog must perform. Youth may not touch the dog, but can use verbal commands, claps, and hand signals.

Winnebago County exhibitor Natalie Markin, placed third in Beginning Rally and Kendra Nehring, Stephenson County, placed sixth.

In the intermediate rally division, Natalie Harms of Winnebago County placed second. Nicole Barker of Winnebago County earned first place in the excellence rally class.

BEGINNER NOVICE 2: Natalie Markin, Winnebago County

EXCELLENT RALLY WINNER: Nicole Barker, Winnebago County  

About 4-H: Illinois 4-H empowers and prepares Illinois youth for success. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois, impacting the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs, groups and short-term programming.